Ontario to invest $37m in safer commuter cycling network

The Government of Ontario in Canada is planning to invest C$50m ($37.1m) in improving infrastructure to ensure a safer commuter cycling network across the province.

Under its Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Programme (OMCC), the government will provide this funding from its carbon market in order to encourage people to ride their bikes to work, school and other recreation destinations.

OMCC is part of Ontario’s five-year Climate Change Action Plan, which has been created with an objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 1990 levels by 2020, 37% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

Eligible municipalities across the province will be receiving funding through OMCC for constructing additional bike lanes, as well as enhancing the existing infrastructure for riders in the region.

Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca said: “Building commuter cycling infrastructure is important in helping us make Ontario a great place to ride a bike.

“Working together with our partners, the cycling community and local municipalities, I know we will succeed in making Ontario a cycling leader in North America.”

"Building commuter cycling infrastructure is important in helping us make Ontario a great place to ride a bike."

According to the government, the investment would not only improve the safety of the cyclists, but also would help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Ontario.

As part of the new initiative, the government created a cycling web-hub to provide cycling information to the people living in Ontario.

Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Eleanor McMahon said: “Ontario is home to an extensive cycling and trails network that stretches across the province, connects our communities and offers unique views of our urban and rural landscapes.

“By building new cycling infrastructure, we are making it easier for people to get on their bikes and explore all that Ontario has to offer.”

Image: Ontario Government invests in cycling infrastructure in Canada. Photo: courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/namakuki.